EMPOWERING WOMEN AND BUILDING FUTURES IN KYRGYZ REPUBLIC – AN IMPACT STORY
The Araket project, funded by the Swiss Confederation and implemented by GFA Consulting Group, seeks to improve living conditions and reducing vulnerabilities of residents in 11 new settlements across Bishkek and Osh in Kyrgyz Republic. One of its key components is improving job and income opportunities of women. Women who participated in a mini grants program were interviewed and their stories and personal and professional experiences were shared. The story below is about one of these women.
The story of Aigerim Sadykova
© Aigerim Sadykova
Ever since she was young, Aigerim Sadykova faced challenges along her journey of life. When her father passed away in 2000, her circumstances changed completely. She was just in third grade when her family moved from Kyrgyztan to Russia, where she first discovered sewing with a small machine that inspired her creativity. Despite the difficulties of living in a new environment, she found her passion for fashion while helping her family by repairing and altering clothes.
After a few years, Aigerim returned to Kyrgyzstan to continue her education. She completed the 9th grade in Nookat and enrolled in a design program in Osh. However, her plans were interrupted when her mother became ill, and Aigerim had to pause her studies to return to Russia to care for her. Eventually, she resumed her studies at Osh State University, got married, and had her first child. Unfortunately, her child had special health needs, and Aigerim focused entirely on her child’s care.
During this tough period, Aigerim’s mother supported her with the baby. Through hard work, Aigerim bought land in the “Alai-2” neighborhood of Osh, and built a small house there. Starting a business was not her focus then. But after separating from her husband, Aigerim became a single mother, and determined to secure a better future for her children.
Aigerim decided to follow her passion for sewing again. She bought a small sewing machine and started making clothes for her family. Soon, her work attracted customers, and orders started to grow. With determination and support from her loved ones, she expanded her sewing workshop and formed a small team.
© GFA
This is when the Araket project came in and a new chapter began in Aigerim’s life. Swiss grants managed by MSDSP KG gave her an important boost as the project helped her buy sewing machines, grow her business, and work with her neighbors. GFA experts trained Aigerim in improving her business skills, and teaching her about management and financial planning. This allowed her to manage her income better and deliver high-quality services.
Today, Aigerim leads a team of five women that share her sewing skills and the knowledge she gained from the Araket project. She values trust and teamwork, treating her team like family and creating a positive working environment.
Aigerim has big dreams. She plans to build a large sewing workshop near her home and she is working hard to achieve this. She also wants to launch her own clothing brand and make a lasting impact in the market. The support from the GFA Araket project team has strengthened her confidence and encouraged her to pursue her goals. With her hard work and determination, Aigerim is building her own success while inspiring her team and community to reach new heights.
The Araket project
Aigerim Sadykova’s story is a testament to the success of this initiative to improve women’s job and income opportunities through mini grants and skills training. It showcased how targeted support can ignite individual potential and contribute to community development. In 2023 alone, the Araket project empowered approximately 300 women across all eleven settlements by offering comprehensive training in financial management, effective job searching, crafting CVs, and excelling in interviews. The project further supports aspiring entrepreneurs through micro-business grants, enabling them to access essential resources and tools to build sustainable businesses.
